INSPIRATION:Creating an architecture responsive to latest branding of client and to have an innovated expressive façade and iconic shopping for Shenzhen city. Through the new design of façade, entrance plaza, interiors and space, the design has largely enhanced the quality of the SCPG Plaza.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:The objective for this project is to upgrade an existing shopping center that consists of a shopping center and one of the largest SAM’s store in China.
The aim is to connect the 2 separate buildings to create a unified identity with an extensive canopy. By utilizing the SCPG latest logo design, the abstract typology-shaped pattern is created.
The pattern is applied to the design of façade and at the same time become the key element for the interior design. Such design reveals the unique characteristics of SCPG in the commercial development sector.
Moreover, the shape of the canopy symbolizes moving waves where the highest point allows the entrance to be highlighted and become more welcoming.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:The building sets back far from the main road and thus an eye catching façade helps the building to stand out. Flow of pedestrian is carefully studied and directed from the main street. The newly designed canopy provides a shelter for the entire pedestrian flow and also leads them to the entrance of the plaza. Walking under the canopy, together with lighting effects on it as well as the façade, creates a fascinating experience for shoppers.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:Location：69 Nonglin Rd.， Shenzhen, China
Interior to be completed by first quarter of 2018
Exterior to be completed by first quarter of 2019

FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY:Architecture, Building and Structure Design

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:Using parametric design to create module openings in different sizes while controlled within 5 modules. Each module is a triangulated aluminum panels with shortest dimension not larger than 1.3m to ensure construction feasibility, where the longest side is 3.8m. The whole module will be done in 3 pieces, embracing a shape with fritted glass which is also part of the client’s logo. Canopy is done using ETFE membrane, whose structure is composed by 2m triangles, supported by columns spaced every 16m. The columns of the canopy sit on the existing structure of the basement that allows better support, easier construction and structural transfer.

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:The project is currently a renowned building in Shenzhen, therefore the new design has to appear to be new, interesting and functional enough to be successful. The team analysed the site from different view angles, pedestrian flow, shopper’s behaviour and usage of existing shops and restaurant.
It is essential to understand the above because the new design has to not only enhance the aesthetic of the building, but also the experience provided to all people. Thus, from the exterior on how to increase attraction from the street to how to create a warm and welcoming yet elegant interior become our motives during the whole design process.
The design has even redesigned the sunken plaza opening to improve the access of shoppers to the basement retail, as well as to be more corresponding to the canopy design so that it can be covered to provide semi open and sheltered space for outdoor dining or performance area.

CHALLENGE: The project is an extensive renovation that heavily depends on existing structure and condition. During the design, the team has carefully gone through all existing structures and drawings to ensure the feasibility of scheme.
The strategy was to utilize existing structures including columns and structural beam or truss as much as possible. To reduce the construction cost, the design allows the new facade to be installed on top of the existing façade without having to tear it down. Thus, existing condition is critical, any small mistakes would affect the entire façade design.
Moreover, under limited budget considering such a large scale makeover, the design has excelled in innovative aspect while achieving the budget set from the client （e.g. ETFE span, steel proportion on support and etc have to be thoroughly studied and calculated）

PROFILE:PH Alpha Design is an international architectural and interior design practice. Our award winning designers have extensive experience in the design and delivery of large, complex retail driven mixed use developments that focus on the integration of commercial enterprises, event provisions and cultural facilities.
Our maxim revolves around the delivery of world class design solutions that break new ground in innovation, functionality, sustainability, practicality and efficiency. Most of our current workload is focused on the design of large scale mixed use projects.
The scale is not, however, the driver behind our design aspirations but the realization of a product, whatever size, that advances the quality of the architectural and built environment, enhances the local community, provides a model for the future, is commercially successful, and, exceeds our Client’s requirements.
We provide architectural, masterplanning, urban design and interior design services for all sectors, including: mixed use, retail, office, hotel, museum, exhibition, serviced apartments, leisure and urban regeneration.
PH Alpha’s philosophy revolves around the creation of unique design solutions that are distinguished, innovative, state of the art, sustainable, value enhancing, practical and efficient.

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